State media reported the launch of a probe into Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov, citing Federal Security Service data regarding accusations of aiding terrorism.
The investigation follows the platform’s decision to ignore demands from Roskomnadzor. The app's administration refused to block nearly 155,000 resources.
Authorities are considering designating the platform an extremist organization. This status would immediately criminalize all financial interactions within the application, including paying for Telegram Premium subscriptions, buying ads, or making similar transactions.
Durov remains confident about the true motive behind the pressure. He sees it as an attempt to force the audience onto a new state-backed messenger, MAX, where user data lacks protection.
The entrepreneur pointed to Iran’s failed experience. There, most citizens continue to bypass blocks to use the independent messenger, categorically refusing to trust government software.
“Russia has opened a criminal case against me for “aiding terrorism.” Each day, the authorities fabricate new pretexts to restrict Russians’ access to Telegram as they seek to suppress the right to privacy and free speech. A sad spectacle of a state afraid of its own people,” he said.
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